Sun Chen

Sun Chen (231-258) was the regent of Eastern Wu for emperors Sun Liang and Sun Xiu, from 256 to 258 (succeeding Sun Jun). Sun Chen aided Zhuge Dan's Rebellion in Cao Wei, but his execution of his general Zhu Yi led to the defection of most of the Wu generals. Sun Chen was murdered shortly after the uprising failed.

Biography
Sun Chen was born in 231 AD, the cousin of Sun Jun and one of the great-grandsons of Sun Jing. In 256 AD, Sun Chen was chosen by the dying Sun Jun as the new regent of Eastern Wu, reigning over Emperor Sun Liang. Sun Chen put down Lu Ju and Teng Yin's rebellion agianst his rule, and he became known for being a cruel leader. Although apprehensive of the emperor of Wu, Sun Chen was a strong military leader, and he allied with rebelling Cao Wei general Zhuge Dan. He dispatched 30,000 Wu troops under Zhu Yi to support his uprising at Shouchun, but after Zhu Yi withdrew from two unsuccessful battles and gave up his attempts to aid Shouchun, Sun Chen had him executed. Wei commander Sima Zhao spread the word of the execution to other Wu commanders, who feared that it they were defeated, Sun Chen would execute them as well. Sun Chen was defeated by Sima Zhao, and rather than return to Jianye in shame, he sent his subordinates to defend the city. Sun Liang, his sister Sun Luban, Quan Shang, Quan Ji, and Liu Cheng plotted to overthrow him, but Sun Chen slew Liu Cheng, captured Quan Shang, and let Quan Ji kill himself.

Sun Chen replaced Sun Liang with Sun Xiu as emperor, and hoped to keep power. However, he had a falling-out with him after Sun Xiu refused to eat his beef and wine that he offered him, and Sun Chen gave the food and drink to general Zhang Bu, to whom he suggested that they should choose another emperor. Zhang Bu told Sun Xiu, and Sun Xiu was offended, but still favored Sun Chen. Sun Chen became concerned and offered to leave Jianye for the secondary capital of Wuchang to head up its defense. Sun Xiu allowed him to do so, but Sun Xiu feared that Sun Chen would rebel. Zhang Bu and Ding Feng were sent to arrest him, and Sun Xiu had him executed with his family.